WARRINGTON bowlers were unable to make home advantage count when they bowed out of the British Individual Senior Merit in the first round on Saturday, writes Andrew Simpson.

John Durrands and Andrew Wightman were both made to play catch-up by their opponents at Grange Sports and Social Club, where hundreds of spectators from across the country gathered for one of the most prestigious events in the sport’s calendar.

WATCH: Grange Sports Club hosts British Senior Individual Merit

The former did not trouble the scorers until after he went 11-0 down against Gareth Gwilliam (Greater Manchester).

He was able to rally though after getting hold of the jack, but a remarkable recovery didn’t earn a reward perhaps it deserved as his opponent wilted.

Gwilliam regained his composure in the nick of time to record a 21-18 victory, and went on to reach the semi-finals.

Wightman, of King & Queen, kept in touch with Andy Raymond – another representative of Greater Manchester – before losing by the same score.

He was one of the first bowlers on a number two green left sodden, and which ran heavy, by a torrential downpour that delayed the start of proceedings.

READ: Bowlers to battle for 'All England' prize at Grange

There was an upset too when Tommy Johnstone, a former champion that claimed first prize in 2002, suffered a surprise defeat against Ryan Clark (South Yorkshire).

The Cheshire Senior Merit winner, who moved to Poynton after previously living in Warrington, had been among the favourites with the green-side bookmakers after he was rated an 8/1 shot.

However his challenge ended early after a 21-17 defeat.

Chris Mordue used a victory against 2009 winner Callum Wraight in his opener as the catalyst for a run that ended with a 21-14 success against Wayne Ditchfield (North Lancs & Fylde) in the final.

He also took the scalps of Merseyside Merit winner Danny Barwise and Simon Coupe, a runner-up at the All England – as it is referred to by bowlers – back in 2007.

Results (selected)

British Senior Individual Merit

Saturday, July 28

At Grange Sports and Social Club

Last 64

John Durrands (Lancashire) 18-21 Gareth Gwilliam (Greater Manchester)

Tommy Johnstone (Cheshire, Houldsworth WMC) 17-21 Ryan Clark (South Yorkshire)

Andrew Wightman (Lancashire, King & Queen) 18-21 Andy Raymond (Greater Manchester)

To see all of Saturday's results in full, click here